An emotional painting of the Ramayana- Rama returning to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, accompanied by Sita and Hanuman behind them. Rama commanding a flying vehicle, resembling a flying Dragon symbolizing strength and resilience. This particular illustration is from the book Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists(1913-1914), written by his sister Nivedita and Ananda K. Coomaraswamy. Painted with watercolour, the washes of blue for the sky and clouds create a soft and dreamlike atmosphere reminiscent of the Mughal paintings but also the techniques utilized by the Bengal School of artists. Venkatappa was a pupil of Abanindranath Tagore. A culmination of old court painting style with the sensibilities of the new modern art requirements and pan Asian techniques , which makes sense since he was born into a family of court painters in the princely state of Mysore knwon as the Chamarajendra Community. He initially studied western academic art style in Mysore before leaving for bengal and studying in Calcutta School of Art under Abanindranath Tagore, on a scholarship from the Maharaja.In contrast to the predominant trend in the Mysore court toward oils after the influence of Ravi Varma, Venkatappa painted mostly in watercolor. At the Maharaja's invitation, Ravi Varma visited Mysore for brief stays in 1902, 1903, 1904, and 1905. In addition to supporting the growth of indigenous culture, art patronage was a symbol of modernity.
This painting shows us a well known section of the Ramayana. We can see that there is lots of lively, joyful and holy imagery throughout. The large flying vehicle stands out because it is shaped like a bird. This makes us feel awed and majestic as it flies through the sky. Rama is still and proud as opposed to the shape of the flying vehicle and big clouds around. The colours are not very bright. The blue grey sky, the colour of the flying vehicle and the warmer colours of the people make us feel like we are in a dreamy and pious place. From looking at this painting we can tell that it represents Rama's return but also justice. After a fight and struggle they have finished their journey. We can see stories from mythology, our imaginations and storytelling. This makes the audience feel like they are part of the story. I really like how the artist has used the large size of the flying vehicle and the placement of the people to create more of a grand feeling. This painting makes me think about themes of returning home, being responsible, achieving and having hope. It also shows us how artists can show stories in their own unique way while keeping the culture and spirit of the original story.
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By: Diksha Mudgal
The given image is a famous watercolour painting called The Return of Rama which was created by pioneering Indian artist K. Venkatappa in 1913 under the influential Bengal School of Art. It was originally created to illustrate plates for the landmark book Myths of the Hindus & Buddhists (1914) written by Sister Nivedita and Ananda Coomaraswamy. This artwork shows an important scene from the ancient Sanskrit epic, the Ramayana. The painting shows Lord Rama, his virtuous wife Sita and his loyal brother Lakshmana flying across the sky inside a beautiful mythical vehicle known as the Pushpaka Vimana on their return journey after defeating the demon king Ravana. The vehicle can be seen in the centre of the painting; it has been designed to look like a large swan/animal with wings and has a beautiful dragon like head. Inside the vehicle there is a pavilion and Rama and Sita are seated in the centre wearing dark skin. Hanuman can also be seen peeking out from behind them. The vehicle is flying through dense clouds in the sky. Venkatappa has used a very detailed wash technique, fine lines and a soft pastel colour palette to give the painting a feeling of a peaceful divine feeling, flowing and floating feeling.
